Mom is 86 in a nursing facility with dementia, diabetes, chf, copd, and renal failure. 4 days ago she went to bed and has not been up since. She has not eaten and only takes sips of water. We have had to up her oxygen to 5 liters on the concentrater and still can't keep her Sats above 90. She sleeps most of the time, talking jibberish in her sleep, reaching out for things that aren't there. She became totally incontinent. She is on hospice has been for 4 months. The hospice nurse says watch and see an just keep her comfortable. Is this the end? How long can it go on?

5 Answers

I'm so sorry for you and all your family (especially not forgetting your mother). It's not just that you don't know what to expect or when, you end up not even knowing what it's best to be hoping for for your mother.

Debrisberg, sounded like your Mom had what is called a "rally", and that is very common. Both my parents did that. Sometimes the rally will last only a day or sometimes much longer. Then comes the wait and see.

Go in this morning everyone is surprised. Mom got up, ate breakfast and lunch, and took a shower. Was awake most of the day. Was very tired. Of course remembers nothing about the last 4 days. Even the nurses didn't expect the turn around. Late yesterday her hands were mottled, turning purple. We will see what the next few days bring.

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